Chinese bombers lined up on an undisclosed airfield China MOD
Newsweek: China Reveals New Long-Range Bombers
China has released pictures of an unnamed “new-type of bomber”, along with an announcement that it has carried out its first military drills in the airspace above the Western Pacific Ocean.
According to a statement on the Chinese Ministry of Defence website, the drills took place over the Bashi Canal, which is between a Taiwanese island and a Philippines island.
The release of the pictures of the warplanes suggests the exercise was a test of China’s long-range bombing capabilities. According to Want China Times, the photos indicate the aircraft taking part in the drill were H-6K long-range strategic bombers, which have “a combat radius of 2,000 kilometers” meaning they could be used to launch attacks against U.S. military facilities on Guam.
More News On China's New Long-Range Bombers Conducting Military Drills In The Western Pacific
China's Air Force Conducts Exercise Between Taiwan and the Philippines -- The Diplomat
PLA Air Force conducts first training stint in West Pacific -- Global Times
PLA H-6 bombers conduct first drill in Western Pacific -- Want China Times
China air force completes drill in west Pacific -- Xinhua
First China air force drills in 'far offshore' Pacific -- AFP
Not really new, it's a Chinese made variant of the Tu-16, long since retired from Soviet/Russian service, with new engines, a digital cockpit, and a few other changes to improve range, and give it a viable, survivable role in modern airwarfare.
ReplyDeleteCode name badger
ReplyDeleteA Sopwith Camel is a viable system if other weapons systems give it the space.
ReplyDeleteAizino,
DeleteB-52's are still relevent, because when the SAM tech improved, they learned to go low, go fast, buried in the weeds,
" If the pilot's good, see, I mean if he's reeeally sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low... oh you oughta see it sometime. It's a sight. A big plane like a '52... varrrooom! Its jet exhaust... frying chickens in the barnyard! "
Major Kong
And a ton of upgrades, from engines to ELINT, plus compatability with every Smart Weapon in the US inventory.
Still, they go into " hostile" airspace last, after the Weasels have worked, the B-1 and 2's have taken out C&C, and the F-15's, 16's, 18's and 22's have established overwhelming Air Superiority.
These guys are only useful, if China can get their AD/TD to work, hold, and then, they can fly out to that limit, and lob ASCruise missiles at US Ships. One step further, and they are just a big target.
And if China can't get their AD/TD to work, they are expensive smoking hulks on the tarmac.
I agree Jay on your analysis on China's new bomber. When first researched the story, I was underwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteI was not arguing. I was pointing out.
ReplyDeleteDrones, the current generation do not operate unless they are in a permissive environment.
For the Night Witches in Russia that was the cover of darkness. Most of the German night fighters were probably dedicated for air defense over Germany.
It all depends on what other weapons system clear the way. Or what each side is down to.